Gunsmoke 84...Gunsmoke 84...September 2004
GCC Public MeetingsThe Gungahlin Community Council Inc. holds a monthly public meeting on the second Wednesday of each month except January. All welcome! Now is the time for you to offer your services to help build the Gungahlin Community effectively come along to the next meeting Gungahlin Community Council Public Meetings
Venue: Meeting Room at the Raider’s Club, Gozzard St, Gungahlin - Wednesday 8 September 2004 - 7:30pm
General meeting – come and raise your issues of concern.
- Wednesday 13 October 2004 - 7:30pm
Meet the Candidates. Come and make your vote count for democracy!
GAMVA - Gungahlin And Mitchell Voters Action
Venue: Meeting Room at the Raider’s Club, Gozzard St, Gungahlin - 13 September 2004 - 7:30pm
- 27 September 2004 - 7:30pm
- 11 October 2004 - 7:30pm
Gunsmoke 85 Deadline
The next issue of Gunsmoke is due out in October 2004. Advertisements and articles need to be in by 17 September 2004. There will also be editions in, October and December, deadline 17th of the previous month.
Email: - gunsmoke@austarmetro.com.au
Postal: 3 Halifax Close Palmerston 2913 [Return to top]
GAMVA - The Buildings that were not built in Gungahlin!
Ian Ruecroft - GAMVA Coordinator DO DISTURB the politicians and political parties who continue to ignore the needs of the Gungahlin and Mitchell community. The Gungahlin and Mitchell Voter's Action (GAMVA) group has been formed to promote Gungahlin-specific issues in the lead up to the ACT election, on October 16th 2004.
One of the main issues identified by GAMVA is the lack of commitment, by both of the major political parties (at ACT and Federal level), to provide incentives or leadership in relation to establishing a substantial employment base in the Gungahlin district. The photos surrounding this article provide an example of the number of employment opportunities denied to the Gungahlin community since Gungahlin's development commenced in 1992. For each of these buildings there is a reason why it could not have been built in Gungahlin (eg. needs to be close to Parliament House; workforce resisted encouragement to relocate from existing site; needs to be in a central location; planning took place before Gungahlin was established). However, the sad fact is that there is no end to the number of excuses that can be found. During a time when more that 30,000 people have made Gungahlin home, the only jobs that have been located in Gungahlin's Town Centre are at the Emergency Services Centre and our (unmanned) Police station. Successive ACT Governments have passed the buck for the inaction; but, where possible, they have been quick to gloat over the number of retail jobs they have "created". In reality, they have sold a few blocks of land and done bugger-all else. In recent months the government has released the "Canberra Plan". Although the GCC and other Gungahlin community members spent considerable time providing input to this document, its recommendations actually undermines Gungahlin's future. With the vision that employment should be concentrated in Civic, Barton, Russell, Belconnen, Woden and the Airport; Gungahlin will undoubtedly experience a retail crisis far worse that what happened in Tuggeranong in the late 1980's. Mitchell has experienced a declining workforce for many years. Although Fyshwick has prospered and incentives have encouraged Symonston's development and the establishment of the Bruce "Technology Park"; the only news for Mitchell has been bad news. Government departments have been down-sized and/or disbanded (Total Care) or relocated (Australian Archives). In addition to this, a number of private enterprises have ceased operation (the Brickworks) or gone broke (many small business). The time has come for the excuses to stop and the action to start. Politicians need to get off their bums and implement the strategies that will ensure equitable employment opportunities for the Gungahlin and Mitchell community! Written and authorised by Ian Ruecroft (GAMVA Coordinator) 42 Brinkley Circuit Palmerston. [Return to top]
Gospelomedy
Cornerstone Christian ChurchDallas Atkins is well known for his puppets ‘The Messups’ and now Dallas is back with his new show ‘Gospelomedy’. Don’t miss this great opportunity to see Dallas cleverly bring alive, great Biblical characters of centuries past with original sounds tracks and some old hits from the 60’s and 70’s. This is Australia’s hottest Gospel Comedy show and it is suitable for the whole family, with something for everybody. We invite you to enjoy a night out at:
Palmerston Primary School Hall
Kosciuszko Avenue, Palmerston
Saturday,11 September 2004, 6 pm
For more information contact Cornerstone Christian Church: 6255 6087 [Return to top]
Letters to the EditorDear Editor, I am a relatively new resident of Nicholls and despite having Telstra and Transact pits liberally sprinkled in my front garden I have discovered that I do not have access to either ADSL or cable broadbanding services. I was told broadbanding facilities will only be provided in response to a 'demonstrated need'. Telstra determines that 'demonstrated need' by assessing the number of people who register their interest in broadbanding services on the Telstra.com website. They consider the need is demonstrated when 150 people have registered their interest but unfortunately this does not seem to be common knowledge and as at 15 June 2004 only 3 people for the Crace exchange (that includes me!) have registered . I'm sure there must be more than 3 homes that would use broadbanding if it were available. My reason for telling you all of this is that I am sure I am not the only resident who would like broadbanding to be available. Could I encourage anyone wanting Broadband services to log on to the Telstra.com website and register their interest? .
Pauline Winslade
Nicholls
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Dear Roma
My experiences with trying to get broadband in Gungahlin.
After trying to get a broadband connection with several different providers, including Telstra, for over 2 1/2 years, I rang Telstra Bigpond and managed to get on to the right person. He advised me that we could not be connected due to par gain technology, but that he would put in a service order to have a technician come out and physically check my two phone lines, this would take around 6 weeks. Within 3 weeks, the last provider that I had applied to rang and told me that Telstra had contacted them and that we would be connected to DSL within the week. And wonder of wonders, we were! We now have a high speed internet connection, so to all those who have despaired that they will never step into the 21st century, don't give up and don't take no for an answer. (It was interesting to note that just prior to being connected to DSL, our dial-up connection speed almost doubled from the previous 28.8kbps to 48kbps). Debbie - Nicholls. [Return to top]
New Women's Business Network
Jo CollinsCalling all women who are running a business from home as well as those who are thinking about setting one up. We are a group of women who have been meeting to provide a support network to exchange ideas on all aspects of business operation and to develop links with other women and families for the mutual benefit of all. We meet at someone’s home and while there is no formal structure, the meetings are based around each person sharing their current business situation, their recent achievements, concerns, plans and any ideas and resources that may be useful to others. The size or nature of your business is not important. You may be doing mail order, beauty or health services, making craft items or selling cakes. There is no joining fee at the moment though these ideas are in development.
My name is Jo Collins. I am a vocational trainer and life coach with experience in operating retail, direct marketing and consultancy businesses. I have a commitment to the improvement of the lives of all women and their families and my work centres around supporting women to realise their full potential in life. Coaching gives you the structure, tools, resources and support you need to be successful. Even if you have no definite goals but feel that your life is chaotic and unfocussed, coaching can help you define your real direction and set you on a course to happiness and fulfilment. I offer a free initial consultation in person to all Gungahlin locals or by phone if at a distance.
My contact details for the Women's Network or enquiries about coaching are:
H. 6255 0380 M. 0408 365 623, email joadam1@bigpond.com [Return to top]
Gungahlin Regional Community ServiceGungahlin Community Resource Centre
Gungahlin Youth Centre
Ngunnawal Neighbourhood Centre
Phone: 6228 9200
E-mail: grcs@gungahlin.org
School Holiday Program The Gungahlin School Holiday Program will operate during Sept-Oct at: - Joint Campus in Nicholls (27th Sept-8th Oct), and
- Burgmann (27th Sept- 8th Oct)
Registration forms can be collected from the schools as well as at Palmerston, Good Shepherd and Amaroo Schools or at the Ngunnawal Neighbourhood Centre. For more details contact Christine on 6242 4811. School Holiday Program – Gungahlin Youth Centre Are you aged between 11 and 18? If you want something fun and different to do in the School Holidays, why not visit the Gungahlin Youth Centre. There’s all sorts of exciting events happening throughout the holidays FREE or low-cost, including a
range of centre based activities and excursions. All activities are fully supervised and run in a safe and friendly environment. We are located behind the Library, so why not drop-in, or phone us on 6228 9211 and find out what’s happening in the holidays.
BOARD MEMBERS REQUIRED Gungahlin Regional Community Service would like to invite residents and/or people with an interest in Gungahlin to volunteer for positions on the Board of Management.
Enquiries to Jenny on 6228 9200. Gungahlin Walk & Talk A Walking Group for Everyone!
All ages and capabilities welcome
From 9.30-11.00 am Thursdays
Ngunnawal Neighbourhood Centre, Yarrawonga St
For more information call 6228 9200. Are you interested in Volunteering? Do you have time on your hands? Want to do something worthwhile?
We are looking for volunteers on an ongoing basis for a variety of different activities such as helping with groups and helping people with their shopping. Volunteering can be fun, rewarding and a great source of personal development. For more information contact the volunteer coordinator on 6242 6077.
$$$TAX HELP$$$
Need help with your 2003/2004 tax return?
Did you earn less than $35 000?
If so, you could be eligible for FREE assistance. Contact Gungahlin Regional Community
Service on 6228 9200 for an appointment
with an ATO Tax Help Volunteer. Appointments available Mon & Wed until
the end of October 2004.
Gungahlin Community Network
The Gungahlin Community Network (GCN) is a group of Gungahlin residents who meet weekly to undertake community service projects. Not only does this network initiate activities that respond to community needs, but it also offers social support, friendship and is inclusive of all ages and abilities. The Network is currently working on a community sculpture and you are invited to join in. Childcare is available for participants. The Network meets each Wednesday from 9.30 to 12.00 at the Community Resource Centre, Gungahlin Town Centre. (Next to the Library) For more information call 6228 9200. [Return to top]
St John’s Ambulance
Kay Mercieca - Training Manager, St John Ambulance (ACT) Inc St John Ambulance is the world’s largest provider of First Aid Training.
In the ACT we have been providing first aid training and volunteer services for many years.
St John Ambulance (ACT) is now providing training in the Gungahlin area. Courses are being held in Gungahlin Marketplace. They run during the evening, daytimes and weekends. The Caring for Kids course is a Nationally Accredited Course aimed at parents, grandparents and unpaid carers of babies and young children. Life saving techniques such as resuscitation, the management of serious medical conditions and the management of burns and injuries give the course participants the knowledge and confidence to cope in an emergency. Participants receive the full colour manual ”First Aid for Children Fast” as part of the course fee. Partners attend at a reduced cost, and young babies are encouraged to attend with their parents. The Senior First Aid course is that required by Workcover in most workplaces. Participants are given the practical skills and knowledge to manage first aid situations in the home and workplace. St John Ambulance (ACT) is looking forward to introducing their quality First Aid training to Gungahlin residents. [Return to top]
Nothing quite like a bare root rose.
Lisa Kaveney - Dog Trap DesignFor a rosarian the true harbinger of winter is a truck bearing boxes of rose bushes, (a rosarian as I see it is anyone serious enough about growing roses to order them by mail.) From about mid June to August, I keep a watchful eye out for deliveries. If you have not received roses ordered from a catalogue, brace yourself. As you rip open the box to dig through plastic and wet newspaper wrappings and sawdust, don’t be put off by what you uncover. Bare-root roses (the form in which many retail sources ship their stock) will look like anything but rosebushes, their scraggly roots all entangled and their thick, prickly canes showing no obvious signs of life. These plants have to be shipped in a dormant state since they aren’t rooted in soil, but they are raring to grow. In fact, it’s not unusual for a rose to break dormancy en route, sending out new leaves and delicate feeder roots. For this reason, a bare-root rose should be planted as soon as possible. It is very likely that your mail-order rosebush will show up before you’re ready to plant it. If that’s the case, leave it in the box with the packing material intact, store in a cool place protected from the sun and freezing cold (garden sheds or garages are good locations), and check frequently to make sure that its roots remain moist. In any event, don’t leave your bare-root rose in storage for longer than a week.
If you have ordered a potted rose instead of a bare-root variety, you will open the box to find something that really does look like a rosebush, anchored in soil. However, you’ll also probably find more yellow leaves than green, and a plant whose size may disappoint you. Indeed, you may wonder whether it will be possible, during your lifetime, for this runt in a 200mm pot to become the wall-engulfing climber you thought you’d ordered. Don’t be alarmed – the plant is full of vigour. Water it thoroughly and put it outside in a sunny spot until you are ready to dig.
The sooner you get any rose into the ground the stronger it will grow. The best time to plant is a misty, wind-free, overcast day: bright sun and wind can dry out roots. To further prevent desiccation, soak bare-root roses in a bucket of water for at least four hours. Never apply chemical fertilisers to newly planted roses: they too can burn new roots. Dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the particular root system you are planting even though it may look spindly. No matter where you garden – whether in beds in the ground or in rooftop containers – the key to giving these plants a good start is the same. Follow the old adage, ‘Never plant a five dollar rose in a fifty cent hole,’ and you’ll be rewarded this summer and for many seasons to come. Jobs for August/September - Feed lawns
- Groom succulents, removing dead leaves.
- Cut back native shrubs as they finish
- Prune fuchsias
- Prune geraniums, pelargoniums
- Top up soil in potted ferns, palms,etc
- Feed spring annuals with soluble fertiliser.
- Sow seedlings of aquilegia, foxgloves, snapdragon, sweet William and stocks
- Plant summer flowering bulbs
- Take cuttings from base of chrysanthemums and dahlias.
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Proof Readers Roma would like to thank Melissa Collins and Fran Antioch for their able support as proof readers. We wish Melissa well in her new job. I am pleased to welcome Jenny Marks onto the Gunsmoke team for this year. Editor [Return to top]
Looking after your body in the garden
Peter Garbut - Enhance HealthcareWell Spring has sprung and the gardens are beckoning. Gardening can be a wonderful activity and very rewarding when you can sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labour. It can also be a very taxing activity on your body. It can be heavy, repetitive and enduring. So that you get the most out of your gardening, and your garden gets the most out of you, here are a few hints to keep you there longer and in good health doing so. - If you have something heavy to move:
a. Use a moving device such as a wheelbarrow if you have one.
b. Use another person if at all possible.
c. Keep the load close to your body if you have to move it yourself.
d. Bend your knees when picking up and putting down.
e. Lift, then turn, not both at once. - If you have something repetitive to do (such as weeding or paving):
a.Take regular breaks to stretch your arms and legs.
b. Change the position that you are in to do the activity i.e on both knees, one knee, squatting, laying down.
c. Break the job into small sections so that you still have a sense of accomplishment when you take a short break.
- Should you have any pain that lasts more than two days following your gardening efforts, get it checked by your chiropractor.
Most of all, be realistic with what you expect to accomplish, and enjoy yourself. [Return to top]
Canberra International Airport 2004 Preliminary Draft Master PlanAs advertised in the last issue of Gunsmoke representatives from the Canberra International Airport and the Village Building Company made presentations to the meeting. This was followed by many questions from those present - mostly to do with management of aircraft noise. The airport representative was keen to know if any aircraft were flying over the suburbs and welcomed information as to time, type and suburb so they could follow up any illegal operations. Mr Peter Coggan, president of the Community Council and chair of the aircraft noise sub- committee is submitting the Community Council’s response to the Draft Master Plan by the due date of 19 August. The executive has also sent letters to various leaders encouraging them to keep a ‘green’ corridor to the north and south of the airport to cater for high density noise. There is already a noise abatement zone in Canberra which disallows residential flyover by aircraft until they have reached a suitable height. Some areas of Gungahlin and Jerrabomberra, however are still affected by noise. [Return to top]
Playground Platypus CentreThank you to all you who phoned the number on the fence of the children’s playground at the Platypus Centre. One caller informed me that the area had been closed because a child had been injured and it was discovered that the green rubber surface, which is generally preferred to tan bark by users, was too hard and will need to be replaced . This cannot be done until the warmer weather. Editor [Return to top] | 
